Sentosa launches new immersive sensorial journey
Newest Singapore attraction, Sentosa Sensoryscape, an immersive multi-sensory experience incorporating augmented reality (AR), design, nature and music, was showcased to local and regional media from Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand ahead of its March 14 public debut.
The 30,000m² “ridge-to-reef landmark” comprising six zones – Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Stream, Palate Playground and Glow Garden – connects guests from Resorts World Sentosa in the north to the island’s beaches in the south.
Access to Sentosa Sensoryscape is free and its gentle-incline design is user-friendly to parents with young children in prams and the elderly using mobility devices.
Guests can download the ImagiNite app for a night-time AR experience which begins at 19.50 and ends at 21.40 daily and it includes a Hyperzoom Special Photo Spot feature for taking wefies.
Thien Kwee Eng, CEO, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), said the first key milestone of the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan to be completed will further strengthen the island as a world-class destination.
It embodied SDC’s commitment to push boundaries and create extraordinary landmarks inspired by the beauty in nature, she continued.
“This thoughtfully-designed and welcoming green connector right in the heart of Sentosa will inspire our guests through a plethora of endless and unique discoveries… where a walk in Sentosa will never be the same again,” Thien commented.
The entire space which pushes the boundaries of park design can encourage guests to slow down, unwind and rediscover oneself in a tranquil setting.
Designed by Serie + Multiply, the sensory gardens are framed by three intricate diagrid, Asian basket-weaving-inspired wooden structures.
Thien told TTG Asia, the versatile spaces offered new opportunities for “business applications” for curated events and brand collaborations.
A spokesperson noted SDC was partnering Samsung Electronics Singapore to enhance the visitor photographic experience and added the venue would appeal to meeting planners organising business events and incentive programmes.
Bangkok Airways flies towards greener and smoother operations in 2024
Bangkok Airways is focused on achieving full recovery, being more sustainable, as well as bettering its airport operations, for the year.
Bangkok Airways’ director – key account and ancillary product, Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, told TTG Asia at ITB Berlin: “Our target this year is to fly 4.4 million passengers, up from 3.6 million last year. This translates to 16 billion baht (US$452.7 million) in revenue this year – last year we did 14.8 billion baht.”
To hit that target, frequencies in the current network have to be restored, with at least 50,000 flights to take to the skies this year. However, the airline will not be exploring new destinations beyond its current network this year.
“We recently restored our Koh Samui-Chengdu and Koh Samui-Chongqing flights, and will be doing some marketing in China. The China market has been quite slow to recovery, and currently, Europe is our number one source market,” Komkrit said.
When asked what the airline’s biggest hurdle was at the moment, Komkrit said: “The biggest challenge we have at the moment is the move to net zero, as this comes at a cost. We are moving towards SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), but this is more expensive than regular fuel. We are trying to find the right balance, and sell it at a price that customers can accept.”
Bangkok Airways’ other carbon-neutral efforts include upcycling used staff uniforms into tote bags and aprons for airport lounge staff. The airline has also implanted technology to reduce fuel consumption, as well as several technical procedures, such as using one engine to taxi instead of two, which “has already helped us save a fair bit”, he shared.
Aside from increasing passenger count, Komkrit indicated that Bangkok Airways will also ensure better and smoother operations, including ground and catering services, at its three airports – Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat.
“We are developing and investing the airports so that they will be key hubs for visitors into Thailand in the next five to 10 years. To do that, we are working to fly more planes, (and attract more airlines) to land at those airports. We are also on the lookout for partners to work with to further develop (other airport-related) services,” he stated.
Singapore speeds up overland checkpoint movement with tech
Travellers arriving and departing Singapore by car via Woodlands and Tuas overland checkpoints can expect faster passage from March 19 as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) adopts a QR code system for immigration clearance.
Currently, travellers need to hand over their passports to the ICA officer at the car counter.
A QR code can be generated for individuals, while a group code can be generated for those travelling in the same car. Travellers will need to download the MyICA mobile application on their mobile device and populate their passport details in the application.
First-time visitors and those re-entering Singapore using a different passport from their last visit to Singapore will need to present their physical passport for immigration clearance. They will be able to use the QR code for immigration clearance on their subsequent trips.
ICA officers will conduct face-to-face checks of travellers using data retrieved backend through the QR code.
According to ICA, the QR code initiative can deliver estimated time savings of around 20 seconds for cars with four travellers, to approximately one minute for cars with 10 travellers.
Overall waiting time can be reduced by more than 30 per cent if most car travellers use the QR code for clearance. This initiative also offers travellers contactless and more hygienic immigration clearance.
ICA plans to progressively extend QR code clearance to the other clearance zones at the land checkpoints. This will allow travellers in other means of conveyance to also enjoy faster and more convenient immigration clearance. Details will be announced in due course.
Sabre takes AI to new heights with hyper personalisation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming the travel industry and generative AI is slated to take it a step further, creating hyper personalised travel systems for agents.
Garry Wiseman, Sabre Travel Solutions’ chief product and technology officer, said technology is advancing fast, which Sabre is tapping into and developing new tools.
This includes an AI tool that is able to pen emails to customers, identify and then request any missing information, and translate it into an itinerary in almost any language. In addition, Sabre has developed an email marketing solution.
“From a productivity standpoint, there’s a huge amount of time and money to save for agent,” he said. “There’s actually a very large amount of opportunities.”
Wiseman added that generative AI has evolved rapidly, from being able to create text before shifting to images. Today, it has the capability of creating short videos accompanied by music, which is ideal for online content.
“There’s a huge amount of inspiration that can come from the travel agents who have an immense amount of knowledge about destinations, places to stay, places to eat, places to see,” he said.
“Using generative AI, there’s a great opportunity if you’re a travel agent and you’re promoting destinations to leverage these tools to create things that you can post on Instagram or different social media platforms.”
Wiseman added that dynamic, real-time booking generated by AI is also on the horizon, considering how rapidly technology is advancing.
“Look at the evolution of the last year – a year ago, ChatGPT was still in its infancy and we saw that certain travel companies started to introduce chat bots, but you couldn’t get pricing or availability,” he remarked.
“Since then, that’s evolved. Now you can get information about pricing for flights. I think the next step is to be able to book and have a personalised experience. It’s exciting because it opens up different mechanisms, such as voice to engage and be able to go through the booking process.”
Volantio delivers solution for airline prime capacity
In exploring how “re-commerce unlocks the value of passenger flexibility”, peak to off-peak revenue rebooking solutions provider Volantio claims Alaska Airlines achieved a US$30 million drop in “spoilage”.
Azim Barodawala, CEO of the US-based company he co-founded in 2014, shared during a roundtable session at the recent Aviation Festival Asia in Singapore, that its solutions “frees airlines from the constraints of fixed capacity”.
Barodawala explained: “We accomplish this through a dynamic platform that seamlessly moves select customers on popular services to alternate off-peak choices post-booking with compensation.”
Volantio is a fully automated and machine-learning optimised GreenLeaf system that empowers trading platforms with robust data analytics, offering real-time market insights, and optimising trading strategies for better decision-making.
“This fully automated self-service process allows airlines to secure more prime capacity, and improve guest satisfaction, while significantly improving their bottom-line,” noted Barodawala.
“Volantio’s technology represents a revolutionary ability to maximise our clients’ revenue while also benefiting their end consumers: the ultimate win-win,” he added.
He cited how compensating a longhaul traveller with an upgrade at an added meal cost of just US$80, for example, would also build brand loyalty.
Volantio’s customers include 15-plus global airlines as well as Disney Theatrical Group, and is backed by leading strategic and industry investors, including Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Technology Ventures, International Airlines Group, Qantas Ventures and Amadeus.
Barodawala noted Volantio provides revenue, operations and shopping solutions.
Volantio, which is headquartered in Atlanta, has a global team based in the US, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, India and the Philippines.
In Asia-Pacific, Volantio is working with airlines such as Scoot and Qantas.
Nitin Oberoi, vice president of product, said the company is looking to launch a corporate function tied to global GDSs to connect to TMCs with high direct bookings of 30 per cent or more this year.
The GreenLeaf platform integrates seamlessly with all major passenger service systems including Amadeus, Sabre, and Navitaire, he pointed out.
Marriott International to debut Autograph Collection Hotels in Hong Kong
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in early 2025.
The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection is expected to have 820 guestrooms and is part of a 28-story mixed-use development with retail outlets on the ground and first floors. Other facilities comprise an executive lounge, three dining venues and over 1,700m² of event spaces as well as recreational facilities. Guestrooms will boast views of Victoria Harbour, Victoria Park, or the city.
The new hotel will be located on Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay, home to Victoria Park, Hong Kong Island’s largest public park. The hotel will be within a five-minute walk to Causeway Bay Metro Station and within 10 minutes’ walk to major corporate venues such as the Lee Garden and World Trade Center. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and Hong Kong’s key business district, Central, are only a five-minute drive from the property, and Hong Kong International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.
Marriott International currently operates 13 hotels in Hong Kong spanning cross 10 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Renaissance, Courtyard, and Four Points by Sheraton.
Oceania Cruises unveils 2026 around the world voyage on Vista
Oceania Cruises welcomes guests on board its newest ship, Vista, for its inaugural 180-day 2026 Around the World voyage, which will visit 101 ports across 43 countries. Booking officially open on March 13.
The 2026 Around the World journey comprises a line-up of destinations, attractions and encounters. Starting with a sweeping six-week exploration of South America, fully charting the continent’s western coast before continuing to Mexico and California, Vista will then island-hop in the South Pacific and call on unique Australian ports such as the Whitsunday Islands. Travelling after that to South-east Asia and across India, the ship will also call at coastal villages and iconic cities throughout the Mediterranean, British Isles and Nordic region before crossing back over to the US.
This epic voyage features over 80 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 101 destinations, with 11 overnight stays and a series of curated complimentary special onshore events and optional multi-day overland programmes.
Starting at US$59,699 per person, the 180-day world cruise boasts an array of included amenities such as free laundry services, free Internet, free pre-paid gratuities and a free US$1,000 Shipboard Credit per stateroom, as well as inclusive simply MORE amenities including a shore excursion credit of US$8,800 per stateroom and a comprehensive beverage package available during lunch and dinner.
In addition to Vista’s Around the World in 180 days cruise, Oceania Cruises is offering Global Wanderlust, a 120-day voyage from San Diego to Miami, as well as World Odyssey, a 197-day cruise from Los Angeles to Miami.
For more information, visit Oceania Cruises.
TFE Hotels appoints GMs across ANZ network
TFE Hotels has made key general manager appointments across their Australian and New Zealand network.
Christian Price has been named general manager for TFE Hotels’ five brands – The Interlude, Adina Apartment Hotels Melbourne Pentridge, North & Common, Olivine and Chapter Place events – at the redeveloped Pentridge lifestyle precinct.
Lucy Ockleston is now cluster hotel general manager supporting Adina Apartment Hotel, Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, and the Travelodge in Australia’s Top End.
Additionally, Nigel Maxey is the new general manager of Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands; Emma Sutherland is now general manager at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour; Sid Bhatia is Vibe Hotel Gold Coast’s new hotel general manager; Diana Quinones-Silva helms at Hotel Kurrajong Canberra; Ben Saxton will lead the team at A by Adina Canberra; Andrew Edwards has moved to Quincy Hotel Melbourne; and Jolanta Prusek will head the team at Adina Apartment Hotel Surry Hills.
Goa looks to promote experiences beyond sun, sand, and beaches
India’s popular beach destination, Goa is looking to showcase its diverse tourism products beyond its existing popularity as a beach destination.
“We want to step beyond our image as just a beach destination. We want to promote our rich offerings in history, culture, heritage, unique festivals, culinary delights, rural and sustainable tourism practices in both domestic and international markets,” said Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s minister for tourism.
Goa recently became the first Indian state to come-up with a ‘regenerative tourism’ model under which it has launched the Ekadasha Teertha (11 spiritual sites) campaign.
“The campaign is centred around local communities, especially involving women and the youth to offer employment opportunities and promote these eleven places of spiritual importance,” added Khaunte.
In order to project Goa as a vibrant, year-round tourism destination, extending beyond allure of sun, sand, and beaches, the Goa Department of Tourism last month entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MakeMyTrip, one of India’s leading OTAs.
As per the MoU, MakeMyTrip will showcase unexplored facets of Goa like its various festivals, inland cultural richness and culinary traditions.
Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said: “We will be curating unique travel itineraries for Goa besides promoting homestay penetration across the interiors of Goa and collaboratively nurture a sustainable tourism ecosystem.”
In collaboration with the Government of Goa, MakeMyTrip will use over 500,000 single-use plastic bottles to construct a public art display that serves as a symbol of environmental preservation and a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices in tourism.
Traveloka data has shown a spike in travel expenditure among Indonesian residents as travel resumes, with Vietnam being the destination that saw the biggest improvement in demand.
Expenditure on international products, ranging from flight tickets and hotels to attractions, has doubled in 2023 over 2022.
Singapore and Japan were most popular among Indonesians, but Vietnam has shown to be a strong contender, noted Traveloka’s CEO transport, Iko Putera.
“The strong demand to visit Vietnam is because Sapa and Danang are becoming viral on social media – (this shows) that people always look for new experiences and are keen to (discover) new hidden gems,” said Iko.
He added that Vietnam’s affordability was also a key factor, especially as airfares and hotel rates are more affordable than that of other South-east Asian destinations.
Yento Chen, CEO, Destination Tour Indonesia, opined that Vietnam draws Indonesian travellers with its diverse offerings – from both green and snowy landscapes to culture and culinary – without the need to travel long distances.
While tours to Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi were popular once, Sapa and Phu Quoc are now winning hearts, particularly for winter breaks, according to Yento.
He added that Vietnam “appeals to incentive groups as well as families and adventure travellers” as the country offers “more experiential travel”, which is highly sought after by Indonesians.
The five-day tour package to Sapa is the most popular at G-Tour, shared tour manager Angelina Samudera, with most bookings being made between December and February during the snow season.
“Sapa is the perfect destination for Indonesians who want to see snow because it is close by, (has) easy access, and (is) visa-free. The price is affordable but the facilities are quite complete,” stated Angelina.
G-Tour has seen a 20 to 30 per cent rise in bookings for Vietnam in 2023, and Angelina hopes to nurture this growth by creating attractive packages combining Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa. Setting its target on young travellers seeking adventure, the company is also developing new packages to Danang and its surroundings.